How do the musicianship and composition classes work?
Crowden has a long tradition of supporting the efforts of its young composers. We offer five levels of musicianship and composition classes that meet twice weekly throughout the school year for all of our students. Classes cover a multitude of topics, including harmony, counterpoint, ear training, sight singing, and analysis. There are opportunities for students to hear their works performed and discuss them with both their peers and with our distinguished faculty, most of whom are professional composers. The Lower School collaborates on an annual composition project; sixth and seventh grade students present their own and each other’s works on Composition Night. The eighth grade composition project in June culminates their musical year. Young composers in the day school may wish to supplement their studies through participation in the John Adams Young Composers Program (offered through the Crowden Center for Music in the Community).
